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elevate

They began to argue among themselves about who would be the greatest among them. – (Luke 22:24, NLT)

Later, the apostles began to argue about which one of them was the most important. – (Luke 22:24, ERV)

The disciples bickered over which one of them would be considered the greatest in the kingdom. – (Luke 22:24, TPT)

Even after spending nearly every day with Jesus for the previous three years, the disciples still argued and postured for position. What this shows me is that even those who walk closely with the Lord, are subject to the frailty of the human condition. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God, and we all desperately need a Savior to lead a life of love, according to His good and perfect will. A bit further in the same chapter, Jesus let the disciples know that to be great, is to serve rather than to be served. He reminded them to follow the example that He had set before them all along. As always, the main message can be simplified to loving God and loving people. If we do both of these things, we will not worry about being greater, because we will prefer one another in love. Love lifts up, it does not tear down nor posture for position. May we ever seek the Lord and His ways, so that we can love Him and others for all of our days.

Let’s fix not our eyes,

On how to be great;

But instead choose serve,

Lift up, elevate.

Choose prefer others,

Let love lead the way;

For this is God’s plan,

To share well His grace.

Never be worried,

About being great;

For God looks at you,

And He celebrates.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You love us not because of what we do, but because we are Your created. Thank You that You meet us where we are, and love us anyway. Forgive us for our foolishness that argues or seeks position rather than Your affirmation. Teach us to trust You more, so that the only approval that concerns us is Yours. Show us how to love those around us in a way that prefers others first and meets needs wherever they may be. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we choose to love You and love people as You call us to do. Amen.

If our actions are motivated by what we can get, there is no love in what we do. Christ calls us to be humble and seek to lift others up, rather than elevate ourselves. When we are motivated by a desire to love as we are loved, people are valued and Christ’s love is made known. May we choose to do as He has shown us, to do that which is good – to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8)

In all that we do,

May humility;

Be motivation,

To love tenderly.

For there is no gain,

In selfish nor pride;

But rather in truth,

Let Christ be our guide.

If we are humble,

Value others first;

Then we are loving,

As Christ has endorsed.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You sent Your Son, Jesus, to show us what it truly means to do nothing out of selfish ambition, and to embrace humility and extend love to others. Thank You Jesus, for showing us again and again in Your word, how You would set aside even Your own needs to reach out and love those in need of Your touch, encouragement, peace, hope and help. Forgive us for allowing our own selfishness to get in the way of loving others. Teach us how to set aside our pride and walk in humility, so that we may love others as You love us. Show us who and how we are to love, and how we can honor those around us. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be exalted O God, as we embrace humility, seeking to love as You love. Amen.